Self-secured containers



United States Patent [72] Inventor Paul Vjecsner References Cited 350 W.51st St., New York, N.Y. 10019 UN ED TE PATENTS 1 99 N9 788,298 701,0148/1902 Bennett 229/82 [22] Filed Dec- 31, 2,079,211 5/1937 l-l rdlickaet a1. 229/35 [451 Patented Dec-8,1970 2,784,900 3/1957 Bauer 229135FOREIGN PATENTS 735,800 8/1955 Great Britain 229/l.5

Primary Examiner-David M. Bockenek [541 SELF-SECURED CONTAINERS Lazar 1Claim, 28 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 229/35, ABSTRACT: In a paper container an integral lockused 229/31 without external fasteners by folding flap attached to endof [51] Int. Cl B65d 5/26 wall panel over extension of other wall panel,inserting it in slit [50] Field of Search 229/35, 36, therein. Insertionof flap is in direction opposed to stress on joined wall panels, therebysecuring structure.

mum-um 8m SHEET 1 OF 3 IIVIR PATENTEU m emu SHEET 2 BF 3 PATENTEB DEC 8Ian SHEET 3 0F 3 SELF-SECURED CONTAINERS This invention relates to papercontainers or other structures made from an integral blank withoutexternal fasteners. The main object of the invention is elimination ofcost of ex ternal fasteners in material and time, while retaining theiradvantages. Particularly, the objects are: strength comparable to thatof other fasteners; simplicity and speed of application; unbroken comersand outer walls for unmarred printing surface; absence of obstructionswithin-specifically, absence of odd and protruding edges-with straightedges closed at both ends or ending at floor, and parallel or diagonalto movement of contents in-andout or to movement of cover constructed bythis means; single edges at openings, rather than multiplelayer edgesbetween which matter may get caught.

Another object of invention is to enable shipping and storage in flatcondition with assembly at place of use, this, besides commercially,also applicable at consumer leveleither at point of sale or withconsumers own assembly, as of gift boxes, making the object also maximumapplication and simplicity, enabling use by layman or child.

In the drawings, FIG. 1 is a plan view of locking elements securingstructure, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of said elements folded alongscore lines, FIG. 3 is a view of unit being locked, FIG. 4 is a view oflocked position, FIG. 5 shows another means of assembly, FIG. 6 shows avariation of lock, FIG. 7 shows a blank for a tray-type container, FIG.8 shows the preceding and cover assembled, FIG. 9 shows a blank for atube-type container, with suggested blank formation, FIG. 10 shows thepreceding assembled, FIGS. 11 and 12 show a tubetype container withmaximum economy in blank formation, FIGS. 13 and 14 show anothertube-type container of economic blank formation, FIGS. 15 and 16 show acontainer with locking panel holding closure flaps, FIGS. 17, 18 show atray-type variation, FIGS. 19 and 20 show an envelope, FIG. 21 shows avariation of locking unit, FIG. 22 shows locking unit for midsection,FIG. 23 shows another locking unit, FIG. 24 shows blocking unit, FIG. 25is a cutaway view of cylindrical structure using units of FIGS. 21, 22,FIGS. 26 and 27 show cylindrical structures with integral floor, usingunits of FIGS. 21 to 23, and FIG. 28 shows cylinder with units of FIGS.22 and 24.

In FIG. 1 flap 1 is attached to joining-end of wall panel 2 atopening-edge 3, said flap having tab 4 received by slit 5 in lockingpanel 6 attached to wall panel 7 at joining-edge 8. Flap 1 is diagonalon side with tab, and a straight-line continuation of joining-edge 9 onother side; its base is substantially the width of locking panel 6. Slit5 is coincidental with base of tab 4 when locked.

In FIGS. 2 through 4, upon joining of wall panels, flap is folded overlocking panel, and tab tucked into slit. Lock is secure due to theelements mutual blocking of movement; the usual catch" associated withlocking tabs is superfluous, as vertically moving flap is freed fromhorizontal stress on joined wall panels. Proportions of flap arevariable, permitting small dimensions to be compensated in otherdirection.

As in FIG. 5, tube-type containers can be locked by bringing wallsbeyond final position, returning to it after insertion of tab into slit.

In FIG. 6 slit and tab base are parallel with base of flap, for straightinsertion and shorter distance.

FIGS. 7 and 8 apply to, among others, boxes with telescopic covers suchas shoe or gift boxes. Low walls may have flap reaching floor, with slitopen at bottom.

FIGS. 9 and 10 indicate containers such as used for drugs and toiletriesor other consumer products.

in FIGS. 11 and 12 economy in blanks is achieved through sharing ofopening-edge by locking flap and closure flap.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show same economy through attachment of minor closureflap to major one, for fully closed corner.

In FIGS. 15, 16 a container such as used for commercial shipping haslocking panel extended to hold closure flaps, for full flaps with everywall.

FIGS. 17, 18 show slip-case for books or other matter. Short flapsbetween narrow walls serve to close corners, and fasten said walls.

Envelope of FIGS. 19, 20 locks externally, closing interior for usualpaper contents. Locking panels are slanted, removing projecting corners,and aiding blank formation. Tabs need not be scored if paper isflexible.

Lock of FIG. 21 has second tab, blocking inward movement of walls whenlock is not at corner.

Lock of FIG. 22 closes walls at midsection, this feasible in cylindricalstructures, with centrifugal stress, but applicable elsewhere, on longjoints. It is applied as lock in FIG. 5, with folded-in flap inserted inlarger and smaller slit successively, then pulled back. Long slit iscoincidental with base of flap when locked, short slit fitting midarea.

Lock of FIG. 23 functions as preceding, but blocks movement in alldirections, and can be used independently. Flap is received by long slitof which tab simultaneously enters slit at base of flap; tip of flap isthen tucked into short slit. Slits fit when locked, as in preceding.

Unit of FIG. 24 blocks inward movement of walls, used with unit of FIG.22. Slit is coincidental with base of tab when joined.

Cylinders of FIGS. 26, 27 may have more wall units for added attachmentto floor. Assembly is from bottom up.

Cylinder of FIG. 28 gives maximum economy.

Above items do not show the only use of invention, which may differ fromthat described while still retaining spirit of invention as claimed.

I claim:

1. In a structure of paperboard or similar material having a least twopanels, an integral lock of the same material adapted to join and securetwo adjacent panels (2, 6,) of said structure, said lock comprising aflap (1) attached to one of said panels (2), a second panel (6) adaptedto overlie said one panel (2), said second panel (6) having a slit (5)adapted to receive at least a portion of said flap (1), said flap (1)having a fold-line to provide an articulated movement of said flap forinsertion in said slit (5), said fold-line and said slit being insubstantial overlying coincidence when said flap portion (1) is insertedin said slit (5), said flap having an edge which upon insertion in theslit will oppose the separation of said two panels.

